monthly dividend

Spurred by the dramatic impact of COVID-19 on the economy, the Bank of Canada has now cut its benchmark interest rate to 0.25% from 1.25%. Whether it continues to hold that rate steady, or cut it further, depends on the country’s economic growth and unemployment levels.


Meanwhile, even for our conservative investors, we caution against investing in bonds....

This issue of Canadian Wealth Advisor highlights several high-quality stocks and some top Canadian and U.S. ETFs—all with the power to lift your returns.


But first, I’d like to say that I still think the bulk of the damage to the stock market may already be behind us.


As always, we feature safety-conscious stocks ready to add to your long-term returns. Metro is new to Canadain Wealth Advisor, but it’s at the forefront of an essential supply chain for Canadians during the COVID-19 outbreak....

This month, we’re adding a new stock for subscribers of Canadian Wealth Advisor. As a key supermarket chain in Canada, Metro Inc. is building on its strong market position to supply consumers with food and drugs during the COVID-19 outbreak. This should steady its sales and profits in the difficult times ahead for the economy....

GREAT-WEST LIFECO INC. $24 remains a hold. The company (Toronto symbol GWO; Conservative Growth Payer Portfolio, Finance sector; shares outstanding: 928.9 million; Market cap: $22.3 billion; Dividend yield: 7.3%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.greatwestlifeco.com) is Canada’s second-largest life insurer, after Manulife Financial....

STANLEY BLACK & DECKER INC. $98 remains a buy. This company (New York symbol SWK; Conservative-Growth Payer Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 154.0 million; Market cap: $15.1 billion; Dividend yield: 2.8%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.stanleyblackanddecker.com) started up in 1843 and is now one of the world’s largest makers of hand and power tools for consumers....

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many companies are now shifting their annual shareholder meetings away from physical locations to the Internet. Even after the current crisis ends, it’s likely many firms will continue these “virtual” meetings.


That’s good news for Broadridge investors, as it helps businesses better communicate with shareholders and count up proxy votes....

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC. $50 remains a buy. The company (New York symbol VZ; Income-Growth Dividend Portfolio, Utilities sector, Shares o/s: 4.1 billion; Market cap: $205.0 billion; Dividend yield: 4.9%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.verizon.com) raised the dividend for its investors by 2.1% with the November 2019 payment....

TELUS CORP. $21 is a buy. This leading telecom company (Toronto symbol T; Income-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 1.3 billion; Market cap: $27.3 billion; Dividend yield: 5.5%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.telus.com) rewarded its investors with a 3.6% increase to its quarterly dividend with the January 2020 payment....

As demand for their traditional products slows due to changing consumer tastes, Saputo and Molson are cutting their costs. Those savings will help them develop new products, and let them keep raising your dividends.


SAPUTO INC. $33 is still a hold. The company (Toronto symbol SAP; High-Growth Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares o/s: 408.0 million; Market cap: $13.5 billion; Dividend yield: 2.1%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.saputo.com) is a leading dairy producer....

The COVID-19 outbreak will slow the growth of these top insurance companies, particularly in Asia. The shock to their investment portfolios will also limit their earnings.


However, both firms should rebound quickly once the outbreak eases. That should also let them keep raising your dividends.


MANULIFE FINANCIAL CORP....